Break a mirror
Roll the dice
Run with scissors
Through a chip pan fire fight
Go into business with a grizzly bear
But just don’t sit down ’cause I’ve moved your chair
Find a well known hard man
And start a fight
Wear your shellsuit
On bonfire night
Fill in a circular hole with a peg that’s square
But just don’t sit down ’cause I’ve moved your chair
Ooh… Yeah yeah yeah [x2]
Bite the lightning
And tell me how it tastes
Kung Fu fighting
On your rollerskates
Do the Macarena in the devil’s lair
But just don’t sit down ’cause I’ve moved your chair
Ooh… Yeah yeah yeah [x3]
Surreal Warnings and Playful Danger
“Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair” by Arctic Monkeys is a tongue-in-cheek exploration of risk, mischief, and the unexpected. The lyrics are filled with absurd, almost cartoonish warnings—like breaking a mirror, running with scissors, or wearing a shellsuit on bonfire night—all classic examples of things you shouldn’t do. These cautionary snippets, delivered with a wink, create an atmosphere that’s both edgy and humorous.
The Art of Not Taking Things Too Seriously
Alex Turner’s wordplay and offbeat references encourage listeners not to take life—or themselves—too seriously. The repeated refrain, “just don’t sit down ’cause I’ve moved your chair,” acts as a playful metaphor for keeping people on their toes and challenging the status quo. The song’s surreal imagery is matched by its gritty instrumentation, making it a standout moment in Arctic Monkeys’ discography.
Song Credits
- Artist: Arctic Monkeys
- Songwriter: Alex Turner
- Release Year: 2011
- Label: Domino Recording Company